Photo: Deserted Dave
Photo: Cam Citizen
Photo: Eduardo
Explora Science Center and Children's Museum of Albuquerque
★4.8(4,460 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers love the high-chair exhibit and water play areas, while elementary-aged kids gravitate toward the physics experiments, arts studio, and technology stations. Even teens find the more complex exhibits engaging.🧡 Saved by 34 families
About
Explora Science Center is an interactive wonderland where 250+ hands-on exhibits turn learning into pure fun. Kids can experiment with everything from bubble science and water flow to building structures and exploring light and sound, making it the perfect rainy-day escape or educational adventure in Albuquerque.
Highlights
- ✓High Wire Bike where kids can pedal along an elevated cable track
- ✓Interactive water tables and fluid dynamics exhibits
- ✓Building and construction zones with pipes, tubes, and foam blocks
- ✓Moving Air exhibit with scarves, parachutes, and pneumatic tubes
- ✓Outdoor Science Park with hands-on experiments in natural light
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at 10:00 AM opening for the smallest crowds, especially on weekends when the museum can get busy by midday
- 2.Bring a complete change of clothes for younger kids,the water exhibits are too irresistible and kids will get wet
- 3.Don't miss the outdoor Science Park with pneumatic tubes and marble runs, accessible through the museum and worth at least 30 minutes of play time
- 4.Plan to spend time in the arts studio where kids can create take-home projects using recycled materials and craft supplies
- 5.Consider combining your visit with a stroll through adjacent Old Town Albuquerque for a full day of family fun
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) are ideal for avoiding school groups and weekend crowds. Visit during the cooler months (October-April) when you can comfortably enjoy both indoor exhibits and the outdoor Science Park without extreme heat.
What to Know
Admission is approximately $10-12 per person with discounts for members and groups. Free parking is available in the museum lot. Light snacks and drinks are available on-site, though you may want to plan for a meal in nearby Old Town before or after your visit.
Seasonal Notes
The museum is open year-round with consistent hours. The outdoor Science Park is most enjoyable in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Check their website for special STEAM programs, summer camps, and holiday-themed events throughout the year.
Nearby Eats
Head to Old Town just a short walk away for kid-friendly options like Church Street Café (excellent New Mexican food with a kids menu) or Sawmill Market, a food hall with multiple vendors offering everything from pizza to tacos where picky eaters can find something they like.
More Activities Near Old Town
Museum
Rattlesnake Museum & Gift Shop
★4.7$❤️30
This compact but captivating museum in Albuquerque's Old Town houses the world's largest collection of live rattlesnakes, plus other fascinating reptiles. Kids get an up-close look at over 30 species of rattlers in safe, well-designed habitats while learning about these misunderstood creatures through engaging educational displays that make science come alive.
Farm
Bike In Coffee
★4.7$❤️168
Bike In Coffee is a delightful urban farm and garden space tucked into Old Town Albuquerque where kids can get their hands dirty learning about sustainable agriculture. This budget-friendly gem combines a cozy café atmosphere with hands-on educational programs that teach children where their food comes from, making it perfect for families who want both a learning experience and a relaxing coffee break.
Park
Old Town Plaza
★4.6Free❤️55
Old Town Plaza is a charming historic gathering space perfect for families looking to combine culture, play, and people-watching. With its shaded gazebo, beautifully landscaped grounds, and safe open areas for kids to roam, this central plaza offers a relaxed atmosphere where children can enjoy street performers and explore while parents soak in the Spanish colonial architecture and vibrant local culture.
Restaurant
Golden Crown Panaderia
★4.3$$❤️16
Golden Crown Panaderia is a beloved Old Town treasure where families can enjoy authentic wood-fired pizza alongside fresh-baked New Mexican treats. Kids love watching pizzas go into the adobe oven while parents appreciate the relaxed, no-fuss atmosphere and budget-friendly prices that make this a local favorite rather than a tourist trap.